Claire and Kenny’s intimate Chicago wedding day: In today’s wedding world, the trend of smaller, more intimate weddings is on the rise. Couples are increasingly opting for ceremonies with fewer guests, focusing on quality over quantity. A small wedding party creates a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing the couple to spend meaningful moments with their closest family and friends without the stress of a large-scale event.
One of the most memorable moments of any wedding day is the first look—the intimate moment when the couple sees each other for the first time before exchanging vows. For this couple, the Riverwalk in downtown Chicago was the perfect backdrop for such a cherished moment.
As Claire stepped toward Kenny, the excitement and emotion were palpable. The Chicago River, winding its way through the heart of the city, provided an idyllic setting. From the stunning bridges to the towering skyscrapers, it felt like the city itself was celebrating with them.
For couples dreaming of a memorable wedding without the overwhelming fuss, an intimate Chicago wedding with a small wedding party and a first look by the Riverwalk could be the perfect option. With stunning views, unforgettable moments, and a focus on what truly matters, it’s a celebration that is as beautiful as it is meaningful.
Wedding Creative Team:
Florist: @nikosflowerdesigns
Hair/ makeup: @tranquilitysalonco + @shan_tranquility
Dress: @bellabridesmaids
Suit: @formallymodern_chicago
Congratulations friends!
An Evening of Elegance and Celebration with Rachel and Adam at The Fairlie.
Located in Chicago’s West Loop, The Fairlie provided the perfect space for an elegant and joyful reception. Its contemporary design paired with luxurious finishes created a warm and inviting atmosphere. The couple’s love story continued to unfold through speeches, toasts, and laughter, all while guests enjoyed the exquisite culinary offerings. The reception was filled with music from the amazing , dancing, and vibrant energy, making it clear that this couple’s joy was contagious.
The hora dance, a central Jewish wedding tradition, got everyone on their feet. Friends and family joined in the circle, lifting the bride and groom high in celebration of their union. The sounds of the band Rod Tuff Curls & The Bench Press filled the air, and the room was alive with energy, love, and well-wishes.
The evening continued with heartfelt speeches, a delicious meal, and plenty of dancing. The couple shared their first dance as a married couple, and it was a moment that will be forever etched in their hearts.
When it comes to wedding day memories, there’s one moment that stands out among the rest: the first look. It’s the intimate, private moment where the bride and groom see each other for the first time on their special day, before all the excitement of the ceremony and the whirlwind of guests. For many couples, this moment is something they’ll never forget, and what better place to experience it than Chicago’s stunning Riverwalk?
Every city has its signature landmarks that make for great backdrops in wedding photos. Think about your favorite spots in the city: a colorful mural, a historic building, a famous bridge, or even a local café with funky decor. These landmarks not only make your photos feel more personal but also ground your wedding day in the unique character of the place where you’re celebrating.
For example, in a busy city like Chicago, you could capture some amazing moments with the wedding party on the Chicago Riverwalk by the Wrigley Building, with the iconic architecture of the city behind them.
I had the unique opportunity to spend not one but two days with this adorable couple. I photographed their family and friend-filled rehearsal the night before at Quartino Ristorante in Chicago. I knew right away that the number of smiles and friendly greetings I received would be a direct indicator of the fun to come for their wedding day. Rachel and Adam and their wedding party were the best group to work with. They were the sweetest duo, and their smiles never left their faces. They exuded happiness, and it was an honor to be their photographer.
Rachel and Adam’s wedding creative team:
Venue : @fairliechicago
Planner : @thecreativeplanners @alexakarkazis
Florist : @flowersfordreams
Tux : @formallymodern
Dress : @dantelabridalcouture
Dresser : @rebeccadoroshuk
Draping/lighting : @atmosphereeventsgroup
Ceremony Music : @3rdcoastlive
Linens : @windycitylinen
Band : @rodtuffcurlsandthebenchpress
Hair : @magnificentbrides
Makeup : @shannonobrienweddings
Video : @smilingtoadproductions
Transportation : @mmlimousine1300
Cake : Beth Puzes @cakes.by.beth
Congratulations friends and thank you for two very unforgettable nights!
A Perfect Setting for Family and Friends: The night before at Quartino Ristorante in Chicago with Rachel and Adam.
The magic began as soon as the guests entered Quartino, a cozy yet elegant space known for its rustic charm and delicious Italian fare. The welcoming atmosphere immediately made everyone feel at home. The restaurant’s inviting ambiance, with its warm lighting, wooden beams, and lively energy, provided the perfect setting for a wedding rehearsal dinner. The restaurant’s signature blend of comfort and sophistication felt just right for this special gathering of family and friends.
The evening was filled with an air of excitement and anticipation. The couple’s closest loved ones gathered together for the first time in celebration, sharing stories, laughter, and moments of joy as they prepared for the big day ahead. Family members who hadn’t seen each other in years reunited, while friends caught up and made memories that would last a lifetime.
Let’s get you two married tomorrow!
Greg & Mark’s intimate wedding ceremony at Adalina Chicago. This sweet duo wanted their day to feel personal with a fun Chicago/Speakeasy vibe. Their choice of venue was perfect with the ceremony taking place in the Rose Lounge and the dinner to follow in the Dahlia Room upstairs.
A gorgeous early December wedding day surrounded by their nearest and dearest. Mark and Greg started their day out at the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel. They helped each other get ready with every personal detail, including stunning cuff links gifted to them. After a few portraits on the balcony looking over Chicago’s winter views, they were greeted warmly in the lobby by family.
Before making our way around the corner to the restaurant, we snuck out for a few portraits of the grooms alone. The glistening Christmas tree at the hotel entrance and the streets lined with lights were the perfect backdrops for these dapper gentlemen.
Walking out of the elevator hand in hand, Greg and Mark made their way through their seated guests in the Rose Lounge. Greeted by a beautiful flower display by City Scents Chicago donning the chandelier above, the couple stood in front of everyone to say their vows. After a lot of emotions, and even more hugs, Greg, Mark, and all of their guests celebrated with delicious cocktails and food.
We all made our way up through the restaurant to their intimate dinner setting in the Dahlia Room, and one by one, all of their guests stood to share love, toasts, and fun memories of the duo.
It was the perfect evening.
Venue : @adalinachicago
Florist : @cityscentschicago
Tux : @theblacktux
CONGRATULATIONS FRIENDS!
Mary & Steve’s November wedding at Bridgeport Art Center: A day full of color and lots of favorite Chicago locations for photos.
Mary & Steve created a perfect fall wedding day in the city.
We started their photo adventures at Museum Campus with their adorable dog, Basil for their engagement session. I knew right away these two would be so fun to photograph. They were so comfortable with one another, and the smiles were so natural. I loved hearing about how they envisioned their upcoming wedding and watching how they interacted with each other. They couldn’t help but get excited about all the details.
From the bride: “I want the vibe to be fun, not super formal/romantic, etc. My ideal wedding will be maximum time dancing, having fun, and talking to people.”
I can truly say their day was 100% full of color. The amazing flowers from Ki House alone stood out as soon as we walked into the room. The details of the day were simply elegant and vibrant. My kind of vibe.
I started the day at their home, being greeted with huge smiles, and everyone was finishing up makeup and hair with Windy City Glam. There was so much excitement in the room. After an adorable first look with her bridesmaids, Mary walked outside to see her dad for a few quiet moments together. First looks with dads are honestly some of my favorite moments.
We then made our way to Lincoln Park for Mary and Steve’s first look at the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The green palms inside are the perfect backdrop for wedding day portraits. After their first look, I immediately saw the sun setting through the windows. It was amazing light and made for some of the most gorgeous portraits.
The wedding party joined in after for a few indoor portraits, and then we made sure to get the classic Chicago skyline photo just outside the Conservatory entrance. We lucked out with gorgeous weather and blue skies.
The amazing team from Stunning and Brilliant Events did a phenomenal job setting up the ceremony and reception space at Bridgeport. It was absolutely gorgeous. Mary and Steve mingled and danced the night away alongside their friends, family, and the very talented Hey Jimmy Band.
It was a perfect night!
Wedding Day Creative Team:
Planner : @stunningandbrilliantevents
Florist : @ki.house
Venue : @bridgeportartcenter
Dress : @thealtarbridalbarrington
Suit : @generationtux
Hair: @windycityglam
Makeup : @lillyjam13
Catering/Linens : @cocinafusioncatering
Production/Lighting : @art_imagination
Band : @heyjimmyband
Cake : @verzenaychicago
CONGRATULATIONS FRIENDS!
Kat & Tony’s Chicago wedding at Salvatore’s Restaurant: A black and white and classic Chicago wedding day.
The weather was cold, gloomy, and honestly, quite on point for a late October date in the city. It made for some amazing clouds over the lake for photos later. After a busy morning, everyone made their way to the iconic Holy Name Cathedral for an unforgettably gorgeous ceremony.
The architecture alone of this church brings tourists from all over the world to visit. Being able to photograph a wedding inside is truly a gift. Walking in, you can’t help but look straight up in awe. Then being able to watch your couple walk down to each other for the ceremony is quite an experience.
After their first kiss, Kat and Tony solidified their vows with a double high-five and the biggest smiles.
We made our way to the Lake for a few portraits of the entire wedding party under some iconic stormy clouds and made sure to work quickly with the fast-dropping temperatures. Kat and Tony were amazing. They never once complained about how cold or windy it was. Not unlike their cold afternoon for their engagement session, they simply enjoyed themselves. They were the best to work with!
The reception took place at Salvatore’s Restaurant, an amazing Italian location in Chicago. After a delicious dinner and a few very emotional speeches, Kat and Tony were off to the dance floor showcasing their choreographed dance for all of their guests.
Their wedding was intimate, romantic, and emotional. The best of two beautiful people coming together to celebrate their life. It was perfect.
Venue : @salvatoreschicago
Church : @holynamecathedral
Florist : @tearoseflowershop
Hair/Makeup : @goldplaited_
DJ : @that_djdiamond
Dress : @lbrbridal
Suit : @theblacktux
CONGRATULATIONS!
Rachel and Anthony’s wedding at CDandME:
Rachel and Anthony’s wedding day started with lots of rain and crazy wind. Gotta love IL weather. It was quite the opposite of their sun-filled engagement session on the water up in Wisconsin. Regardless, these two didn’t let any concern or stress show for a second.
I was met with the biggest smiles in both hotel rooms from Rachel and her girls and Anthony and his guys. They were so excited to celebrate come rain or shine. I was also so happy to be greeted by their adorable dog, Ruger again. Hey was the star of the show during their engagement and let me tell you, in that custom dog tux, he did not disappoint for the wedding day either. This day and all of the decor was centered around this beautiful family of 3. From the cake topper to the table centerpieces, Ruger was present throughout.
Rachel and Anthony and their amazing wedding party made do with whatever weather we were given. I found a covered spot for photos, and they nailed every single one. The best part of the day was arriving at CDandME and the storm, out of nowhere, completely stopped in time for family photos. We rushed to get as many photos as possible up to the start of the ceremony. The sun even came out for a few! It was perfect. Shortly after, deciding to move the ceremony indoors became the best decision as round 2 of this crazy rainstorm began minutes before.
After a sweet ceremony with the beautiful backdrop of the grounds at CDandME, Rachel and Anthony kissed and were announced husband and wife. The rest of the night included a bridal dress change, night portraits, lots of fun group portraits, and an epic dance floor.
Florist : Bloom and Bread
Congratulations Rachel & Anthony!
Samantha and Brian’s wedding rehearsal at the iconic Osteria Via Stato : a night surrounded by friends and family and a venue decked out for the holidays. The evening was intimate yet full wall-to-wall with amazing guests and delicious food.
Rehearsals are always the best way to incorporate more speeches for the couple in a unique way. You can create an evening where several friends and family members share stories that might not get the time on the wedding day. It’s a time to celebrate the festivities to come.
And what better way than in a beautiful Chicago restaurant setting with amazing food?!
Cheers friends!
Holly & Ewan’s Wedding at Scottsdale Plaza Resort: A full sun day with 100+ temperatures, colorful Arizona plant life, and the most gorgeous bride and groom.
I love that we started in Chicago for their proposal and engagement and ended in Scottsdale for their wedding.
Driving into the resort, you are met with a beautiful palm tree-lined road leading up to the rooms. As a photographer based out of Chicago, this view in itself was amazing enough. Then I met up with the wedding party and I knew that with the colorful background created by the resort’s landscaping, the pictures were going to be so fun to create.
Holly and Ewan planned a first look followed by a private vow exchange, and when the idea was presented to me, I was so excited to witness it. They gave themselves time to be alone, read their vows, cry, and hug with no one else around. It was so unique and special.
Finding whatever shade we could, we explored the grounds with the wedding party, dodging the 100+ degree Arizona heat. With all the excitement, though, none of us seemed to notice just how hot it was. As the guests began to arrive, we noticed storm clouds coming in and gratefully accepted any cloud coverage and breeze provided.
The skyline quickly changed from open blue skies to stormy clouds just in time for the ceremony’s start. After lots of tears and cheers, we welcomed the newlyweds into their outdoor reception space, where a gorgeous post-storm sunset greeted us all. The rest of the night was full of non-stop dancing, lots of family photos, and one very happy bride and groom.
IT WAS PERFECT.
The Wedding Creative Team:
Venue : @thescottsdaleplazaresort
Planner : @inaweweddings
Chair rental : @ycbt_partyrentals
Hair/Makeup : @laura_flagler
Dress : @grace_loves_lace
Bridesmaids : @petalandpup
Men’s Formalwear : @celebtuxntails
Music : @mancinientertainment
Florist : Kelly Martin Designs
CONGRATULATIONS!
Bari & Colin’s Chicago wedding at Morgan Manufacturing :
SO much color, a giant bull mural for portraits, fitting a 22-person wedding party into the United Center for photos with the Chicago Bulls championship trophies, and non-stop dancing ALL NIGHT! This was the wedding celebration we waited over 2 years for!
Bari and Colin, like so many other couples during COVID had to postpone their wedding. These two, however, only postponed the big reception. Their intimate backyard ceremony still happened and I am still so honored I was there to photograph it.
While their small wedding ceremony was definitely one for the books, this wedding was one I’ll truly never forget, especially with their adorable daughter included this time around.
The stunning details for the ceremony space were vibrant and colorful, but walking into their reception was something out of a dream. Hanging flowers, eclectic table placements, and endless amounts of candlelights. And the food! Well, the pictures below will explain it all. This was one epic wedding day.
Wedding Creative Team :
Venue : @morgan.mfg
Planner : Reva Nathan
Florist : @hmrdesigns @petalharder
Band : @arlenmusicproductions
Video : Xpress Video
Hair : @hairbyerinahern
Makeup : @kellylabanco_mua
Caterer : @entertaining_co
Cake : @cake_chicago
Shoes : @alexandrebirman
Dress : @aliceinivorybridal
Suit : @menswearhouse
Linens : @BBJlinen
Tabletop Decor : @thefestivefrog
Lighting & draping : @eleganteventlighting
A little about the lovely couple :
1. When did you meet? Where?
They met in October 2012 while working together at the same Engineering Company. At the time, Bari was in charge of the Marketing and HR departments, so it was she that sent Colin his formal offer letter!
It wasn’t until 2015 though that they went on their first date!
2. When did you get engaged? Where?
Colin asked Bari’s Dad for permission to marry her in January 2019 on the yearly family trip to Aruba. We then got engaged on May 11, 2019 in the Singer backyard in Long Grove, IL. We had planned to go there that day to celebrate Bari’s dad’s birthday, but little did she know, Colin (and the family) had other plans in mind! After Colin proposed, Colin had a few other surprises in store – Colin, Bari and her family went downtown to Gibson’s Italia for dinner followed by a surprise party at Sunda with all of their friends (because an engagement night without Sushi just doesn’t seem right when it comes to Bari and Colin).
3. How did the proposal happen?
We started our wedding process by hiring a wedding planner that came highly recommended by many friends and family friends (Reva Nathan). After that, we used her referrals and suggestions, as well as some others from our closest friends (hello – Liz!). Pre-covid, the process was fun and easy going! We enjoyed it a lot!
4. What was the most important aspect for you two when planning?
One of the most important aspects was creating/having an event that was fun for and included all of our friends and family. Next up was food! Both of us consider ourselves foodies, so having sushi for Bari and fried chicken sandwiches that resembled Doc B’s for Colin were a must!
5. What is one thing about your spouse that many people might not know? Any funny, sweet, silly stories?
During the beginning of the quarantine not only did we work in the same room, but at the same desk. While that would be a recipe for disaster for some couples, it actually worked in our favor, and when we moved to a bigger space, we still share the same room. Not the same desk though!
Bari prides herself on being a foodie, yet is actually very picky.
Colin is actually the romantic one in the relationship.
6. Any advice for future couples?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Be flexible and open minded. At the end of the day, this is supposed to be about love and fun!
THANKS FOR SHARING!
